Nearly 4,000 Cyclists Conquer 38th Annual Triple Bypass

Aspen —The 38th annual Triple Bypass, a 120-mile point-to-point road ride climbing more than 10,000 feet over three passes, drew nearly 4,000 riders to the start line in Evergreen on Saturday. The event concluded at a finish-line tent in Avon, marking the end of Colorado’s most grueling amateur cycling challenge.

Michael Glass and his friend Jason Rosener left the Vail Valley for Evergreen before dawn, aiming to beat the heat. Glass noted that starting early helped them stay cooler as they tackled the 14.75-mile ascent of Juniper Pass, the first major obstacle under a massive inflatable arch.

“We started a little earlier,” Glass said. “Which I think helped, because it’s of course cooler.”

The ride is not a race. It is a bucket-list event defined by steady effort rather than podium finishes. Yet, the competitive spirit remains strong among participants like Rosener, a former U.S. Ski Team member and 1998 Olympian.

“That competitive spirit … it’s a DNA thing I think,” Rosener said. “I just love getting out there, still trying to compete with whomever.”

For locals and visitors alike, the event transforms highways into shared spaces. Riders navigate steep grades, passing groups moving at leisurely paces while others push hard out of the saddle. The physical demand is high, but the atmosphere is communal.

Glass credited his wife for her role in the day’s success, noting she drove the group to the start and waited at the finish.

“She’s the real hero — driving us to the start,” Glass said, gesturing to her under the tent in Avon 10 hours after he had rolled over.

The event highlights a recurring dynamic on the Western Slope: the tension between daily commuters and recreational users of the roads. While some riders worry about gear costs or leg hair, the primary focus remains on the climb and the camaraderie. The Triple Bypass continues to serve as a test of endurance for thousands, connecting Leadville to Avon through some of the state’s most scenic terrain.

As the sun rose, cyclists from all backgrounds shared the asphalt, united by the challenge of three passes and one long day. The math holds up for those who show up, regardless of whether they ride carbon wheels or steel frames.

“Good luck!” someone screamed before the first riders pushed off, setting the tone for a day defined by effort rather than speed.

This route isn't just a test of legs; it’s a logistical puzzle for the community. The ride cuts through key corridors like Loveland Pass and Vail Pass, turning two-lane highways into moving lines of cyclists for hours at a time. For folks living along these routes, the daily commute becomes a slow roll, waiting for the peloton to clear before getting back to work.

“Good luck!” someone screamed before the first riders pushed off, setting the tone for a day defined by effort rather than speed.